Com*mand"er (?), n. [Cf. F. commandeur. Cf. Commodore, Commender.] 1. A chief; one who has supreme authority; a leader; the chief officer of an army, or of any division of it.
A leader and commander to the people.
Is. lv. 4.
2. (Navy) An officer who ranks next below a captain, -- ranking with a lieutenant colonel in the army.